NEWSDemi Lovato Dishes on Being a Role Model; Pals Kim Kardashian & Selena Gomez "Proud"
Jan. 4 2012, Published 12:31 p.m. ET
At just 19 years old, Demi Lovato has emerged as a role model for girls worldwide after publically struggling and overcoming an eating disorder and some of the pressures that come with being a young star in Hollywood. With “proud” friends like Selena Gomez and Kim Kardashian supporting her, the “Skyscraper” singer spoke to OK! on Wednesday afternoon about wanting to set a good example for others in similar situations and the importance of “speaking up” for herself.
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“It's important for me to use my voice and experiences to help other girls through whatever problems they might be having,” Demi revealed to OK! at Cleo restaurant at the Redbury Hotel in Hollywood for a luncheon celebrating her Seventeen magazine February cover.
After recently questioning Disney via Twitter about a joke made on Shake It Up regarding eating disorders, it’s clear that Demi knows when to say what’s on her mind.
“I'm not afraid of standing up for what I believe in and speaking up about things,” the Princess Protection Program actress explained to OK!, “I hope I inspire others to do the same.”
With a successful acting and singing career already in place, Demi wants to promote the causes that she believes in and “be an activist someday.”
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But, to keep herself balanced in the meantime, Demi joked to OK! that her friends remind her to relax and, “to sometimes be able to turn off my cell phone.”
And, since close pals Kim and Selena were unable to attend the intimate luncheon for Demi, the girls opted to have letters they wrote to her read aloud expressing how “proud” they are of how far she has come.
Friends since they were just 7 years old and growing up together as young Disney stars, Selena applauded the “role model” for giving her “courage,” and gushed about Demi, “The amount of respect that I have for you is indescribable.”
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After completing rehab for her issues early last year, the former Sonny with a Chance starlet has emerged as an example to young girls by sharing her story.
“I want to say first how proud I am of you," pal Selena, dating "Never Say Never" singer Justin Bieber, explained in the letter, "You have gone through one of the hardest chapters in your life and I praise you for wanting to share that journey and walk away from it all as a better person. Thank you for trusting me and wanting me there during that hard time.”
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E! reality star Kim expressed similar sentiments and thanked Demi, “for always being a true friend, for always following your heart and for being an inspiration to me and countless other girls around the world.”
